The mont Dumbledore finished speaking, the wizards on the high platform began their final vote.
The jurors clad in purple-robed uniforms did not glance at anyone's expressions. Instead, they either raised their arms or remained seated without moving.
Apart from Severus, whose expression remained calm throughout, both Sanguini and Worple couldn't help but nervously look up, scanning the raised hands of the wizards.
However, there were many arms lifted, and before they could even count them properly, Dumbledore's voice rang out once more.
"Those in favor of the charges being upheld, please raise your hands."
This ti, nearly all the previously raised arms lowered, and only three or four arms were raised!
Among them was the unmistakable, expressionless Barty Crouch Sr.
Sanguini and Worple's faces lit up with exhilarated delight.
Over by the radio, the host was practically spitting into the microphone in his fervor, broadcasting the final verdict to the listeners with unmatched intensity!
"Majority votes in favor of the charges being dismissed… Severus Snape, Sanguini Brujah, Eldred Worple: not guilty!"
Dumbledore's final pronouncent echoed through the courtroom.
Soone, no one knew who, was the first to rise to their feet, clapping. Soon, more and more jurors stood, filling the chamber with thunderous applause!
Yet Severus's gaze remained fixed upon Minister for Magic, Millicent Bagnold.
This female minister, with whom he had never once interacted, had already raised her hand during the earlier vote against conviction.
And Severus could see clearly that she had also been the first to rise and lead the applause!
The final verdict did not surprise Severus. He knew Dumbledore would never allow him to be sent to Azkaban. Even if the vote had gone the other way, the old scher would have undoubtedly found another thod to secure his acquittal.
What truly puzzled Severus was Bagnold's stance.
His manipulation of public opinion through the press was, at its core, a direct slap to the Ministry's face… particularly to Scrimgeour, Crouch, and Minister Bagnold herself, as they had been the ones to authorize the highest-level arrest warrant.
This had tarnished the otherwise smooth retirent Bagnold could have enjoyed, leaving a small but notable stain on her legacy.
In the future, whenever witches and wizards spoke of her tenure as Minister, soone might inevitably bring up how she had carelessly issued the highest-level warrant without proper investigation.
So logically speaking, Bagnold should have held at least so resentnt toward him, or at the very least, been less than welcoming. So why this sudden show of support?
Just as Severus pondered this, Minister Bagnold's voice sounded once more.
"We have just witnessed a heartfelt and sincere testimony. Severus Snape has proven, through both his actions and his words, his genuine resolve to change!"
Bagnold's tone was one of admiration and praise as she delivered her concluding address.
"In the trial eight years ago, Albus Dumbledore vouched for him. Today, he has saved himself!"
"This serves as undeniable proof that since the end of that prolonged era of chaos, the Ministry has completely eradicated the lingering darkness left behind by You-Know-Who! It also validates the decisions and choices we made during the great trials of that ti!"
"The irredeemable villains were sent to Azkaban, while those who repented and sought redemption were given a second chance!"
"We have every reason to believe that the future of British Wizarding World will be brighter, and the path ahead for all witches and wizards shall be one of hope!"
The applause grew even more fervent and deafening.
Her voice, transmitted through the radio, reached every wizarding household across the country.
For a mont, even Severus was taken aback.
This was a woman who had held the position of Minister for nearly a decade… and not just any decade, but one that included the peak of Voldemort's reign, when she had taken over a Ministry in shambles.
With just a few words following the trial's conclusion, she had nearly erased the negative impact of her signing the highest-level warrant!
All she needed to do now was shift so bla… perhaps claim that the request had co from Scrimgeour and Crouch, and she had rely signed off on it. At that ti, the damage to her reputation would be minimized.
Severus cast a deep, lingering glance at the Minister before turning to Sanguini and Worple, who were still buzzing with excitent and slow to react.
With a light pat on their shoulders, he led them in a respectful bow toward the high bench, offering a gesture of gratitude and deference to the assembled Wizengamot mbers.
It was the perfect final note to a trial that had ended in satisfaction for all.
anwhile, outside the courtroom, Lucius was ntally cycling through every synonym for 'devious' and 'conniving' he could think of, which were all directed at Severus.
At the Weasley household, cheers erupted. Though stunned by the apparent transformation in Severus, they were nonetheless pleased with the outco.
Most British wizards who had followed the case also found the verdict acceptable, even satisfying.
Only a small minority, those who harbored deep-seated distrust (which is not entirely unfounded) toward Severus Snape, remained unconvinced.
No matter what he said or did, they refused to believe he could truly change!
But public opinion mattered little now. The verdict was final.
As the Wizengamot disbanded and the courtroom emptied, Severus exchanged a few words with the now-relieved Sanguini and Worple, instructing them to take Patty and leave first.
Then, he turned and strode toward a secluded corner just outside the chamber.
Dumbledore was waiting for him there.
When they faced each other, Dumbledore smiled approvingly.
"It was a remarkable speech… and an even more unexpected transformation, Severus. Many will rember the words you spoke today for the rest of their lives."
"Which ans my every move will now be scrutinized, to determine whether today's declarations were sincere or just another elaborate lie. Correct?" Severus shrugged.
Dumbledore rely regarded him calmly.
"Words always carry consequences. So believe thoughtless lies bear no weight, while others weigh each syllable before speaking."
Severus smiled too.
"Then I must be the latter. You believe that, don't you?"
Dumbledore didn't answer. Instead, he turned and began walking, adding as he moved, "At the very least, Harry Potter believes it. I gave the boy a choice, to return to his aunt's ho, yet he chose to stay with you. He says you've taught him a great deal."
Severus fell into step behind the old wizard, knowing full well that Dumbledore hadn't lingered just to exchange pleasantries.
"That just proves Harry is clever… remarkably so, given the household he grew up in."
"Horace sent a letter before the trial began. He agreed to take your place at Hogwarts. But your final remarks gave him precisely what he values most." Dumbledore continued.
"Reputation. Professor Slughorn has always been fond of that."
"You've secured the Dursleys' trust, arranged a replacent for your position, and young Mr. Potter has no objections. So your initial request to presents no issue now. However, in addition to the trial today, there is soone else who wishes to speak with you privately."
Dumbledore led Severus into the Ministry elevator, ascending to the highest level.
As they stepped out, Severus felt a flicker of realization. He certainly knew which office was on the top floor.
It didn't belong to any departnt. Every witch and wizard working here served just one person.
This is the Minister's office!
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